How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

CDCR is switching inmate communication services from ViaPath to Securus. Why does that matter? The company running phone calls and e-messages controls how you create an account, add money, and manage messages. A vendor change means the steps you take to contact your loved one may be different now.

CDCR says this transition should lower the cost of calls and e-messages. That's the stated goal, but the exact price you see depends on how the service is set up for your facility and account. Confirm current rates and any fees before you load funds or send messages.

1. Confirm which vendor is active for the facility right now. CDCR is moving communication services from ViaPath to Securus, so you want to know which system you need to use today.
2. Create a Securus account ahead of the facility transition. CDCR’s guidance is that you need to have a Securus account set up before your loved one’s facility transitions.
3. Re-check your setup after the switch. Once the transition happens, confirm that your account is ready for the services you plan to use (calls and e-messages) and that you are using the correct provider for that facility.

• ✓ Verify whether the facility is currently on ViaPath or Securus (CDCR is transitioning from ViaPath to Securus)
• ✓ Confirm whether the lower-cost pricing CDCR expects applies to the specific services you use (calls and e-messages)
• ✓ If the facility uses Securus or is about to transition, make sure you have a Securus account created

What to Verify

• ✓ Has the facility completed the transition from ViaPath to Securus, or is it still in progress?
• ✓ Are both calls and e-messages handled by the same vendor right now, or are services split during the transition?

CDCR says the move to Securus should mean lower costs for calls and e-messages. Before adding funds, confirm what "lower costs" actually looks like for your situation. Check whether it applies to the specific call types and e-message options you use, and whether any transaction or payment fees still apply.

CDCR's guidance is clear: create a Securus account before your loved one's facility transitions. If you already had a ViaPath setup, verify whether anything carries over automatically or whether you'll need to register again and re-enter payment details.

• ✓ Check the facility’s official information channels for the current vendor status (ViaPath vs Securus)
• ✓ Look for official CDCR notices about the communications transition and rollout details
• ✓ Confirm pricing directly through the active vendor’s official materials (this article does not include vendor URLs or fee schedules)
• ✓ If anything is unclear, contact the facility for the most current instructions for setting up communication services